S4774A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday closing a significant gap in state law by establishing criminal accountability for drivers who operate vehicles with suspended or revoked licenses and cause deaths. Senate Print 4774A passed 58-1, with only Sen. Brisport voting in opposition. The bill, sponsored by Sen. C. Ryan, was motivated by the 2020 death of 20-year-old Kyriakoula Gasparis, who was killed when a friend driving on a suspended license struck a tree. The driver faced no criminal charges. Kyriakoula's mother, Rena Gasparis, has advocated for the legislation since 2013, when it was first introduced by then-Congressman John Mannion and Sen. Michael Gianaris. Supporters emphasized the bill targets intentional, willful violations of traffic laws—such as driving with a suspended license, excessive speeding in pedestrian zones, and running red lights—rather than honest mistakes. Sen. Gounardes noted that 75 percent of drivers with suspended licenses continue operating vehicles, making license suspension alone insufficient to deter reckless behavior. The legislation takes effect 180 days after becoming law.